| Date | Magnitude | Location | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 5, 2024 | 4.8 | Tewksbury Township, NJ | 2.9 miles |
| May 24, 2024 | 2.9 | 6 km E of Califon, NJ | 7.1 km |
| June 30, 2024 | 1.7 | Califon, NJ | 6 km |
| June 17, 2024 | 1.9 | Califon, NJ | 7 km |
| June 16, 2024 | 1.6 | Califon, NJ | 7 km |
Introduction
New Jersey has recently experienced a significant increase in seismic activity, with several earthquakes occurring in the past few months. The most notable of these was a 4.8 magnitude earthquake on April 5, 2024, which was felt across the Northeastern United States. This article aims to explain the causes of these earthquakes and provide an overview of the recent seismic activity in New Jersey.
Causes of Earthquakes in New Jersey
Earthquakes in New Jersey are primarily caused by faults, which are cracks in the rock beneath the Earth’s surface. The region has several faults, including the Ramapo Fault zone and the Flemington Fault, which were formed during the break-up of the supercontinent Pangaea in the Late Triassic period. These faults can be reactivated by various forces, such as:
- Weight of nearby mountains: The weight of mountains like the Poconos adds extra pressure to the ground, which can lead to earthquakes.
- Moving rock plates: The separation of rock plates in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, as seen in Iceland, can cause earthquakes in the region.
- Ground movement: The ground in the east is still adjusting from the weight of glaciers from the last ice age, leading to a seesaw effect between the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions.
Recent Earthquakes in New Jersey
- April 5, 2024: A 4.8 magnitude earthquake occurred in Tewksbury Township, New Jersey, with an epicenter at 40.689°N 74.754°W. This earthquake was felt across the Northeastern United States, with reports of damage and aftershocks.
- May 24, 2024: A 2.9 magnitude earthquake occurred 6 km east of Califon, New Jersey, at a depth of 7.1 km.
- June 2024: Several smaller earthquakes occurred in the Califon area, with magnitudes ranging from 1.5 to 1.9.
Conclusion
The recent increase in seismic activity in New Jersey is attributed to the reactivation of faults in the region. Understanding the causes of these earthquakes is crucial for preparing for potential future events. By studying the faults and forces involved, scientists can better predict and respond to earthquakes, ensuring the safety of the public.
References
- Fox 29. (2024, May 25). New Jersey Earthquake: What is cause of recent increase in earthquakes, potential for more. Retrieved from https://www.fox29.com/news/new-jersey-earthquake-what-cause-recent-increase-earthquakes-potential-more
- Wikipedia. (2024). 2024 New Jersey earthquake. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_New_Jersey_earthquake
- USGS. (2024). M 2.9 – 6 km E of Califon, New Jersey. Retrieved from https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000n0ne
- North Jersey. (2024, July 16). Could fireball be source of shaking and loud boom experienced in NJ? Retrieved from https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/2024/07/16/earthquake-nj-tuesday-shaking/74424970007/
- Earthquake Track. (2024). Today’s Earthquakes in New Jersey, United States. Retrieved from https://earthquaketrack.com/p/united-states/new-jersey/recent
